Judge Wants Explanation Of Rapist’S Parole

Calling the crime shocking, a Monroe judge on Wednesday de­manded to know how a parole board decided to release a convicted child rapist even though it was determined that he would be a high risk to commit a crime again.

Monroe County Circuit Judge Mi­chael A. Weipert sent Michael Thomas Plunkett, 47, back to prison and ordered an explanation from the Michigan Department of Corrections Parole Board that voted to set him free May 15.

“I cannot come to the conclusion as to how the parole board came to its decision and justifying that decision,” Judge Weipert said during the hearing. “I want an adequate and full explanation given to this court.”

Mr. Plunkett, flanked by two prison guards while in court, was convicted in 1994 of raping and strangling a 5-year-old girl. He was sentenced to serve 25 to 60 years in prison for the attack, which also included his attempt to drown the little girl in a bathtub.

The Monroe County Prosecu­tor’s Office, upon hearing the pa­role board’s decision, began legal proceedings to keep Mr. Plunkett incarcerated. At Wednesday’s hearing Judge Weipert agreed with Assistant Prosecutor Mi­chael C. Brown that Mr. Plunkett should remain in prison until a final decision is made.

Mr. Plunkett spoke in his own defense and said that the cor­rections department rating sys­tem that determined he was a high risk parolee did not take into consideration all the facts associated with his case, such as any progress he made while in prison.

“I served my time,” Mr. Plun­kett told the judge. “I can’t change what I did. I’m very sorry for what I have done. I’m asking you to take into consideration what the parole board doesn’t look at.”

Mr. Plunkett knew the vic­tim. According to court records he was watching her in his Erie apartment in October, 1993, when he sexually assaulted her and choked her with a scarf. Mr. Plunkett was convicted by a jury on charges of criminal sexual conduct- first degree and aggra­vated assault.

The parole board has 28 days to file its explanation with Judge Weipert. Once that occurs, the court will likely hold a hearing on the matter.